Kim Little and Leah Williamson lift the Women’s Champions League trophy

Winning the Women’s Champions League saw us create history, and we’ll do so once again by competing in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup in early 2026.

The newly created tournament will see the best women’s clubs from around the world compete for a new trophy, and the title of world champions, but how will it work and what else do we know so far?

Here is a handy guide to the tournament we hope to add to our illustrious honours board:

WHAT IS IT?

The tournament will feature the champion clubs from each of the six continental confederations – UEFA (Europe), CAF (Africa), AFC (Asia), CONCACAF (North America), CONMEBOL (South America) and OFC (Oceania).

It will take place in a cycle of three years in every four, with the exception of the year in which another new tournament – the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup – is held. That will first be held in 2028, and we will be one of 19 clubs battling for that prize thanks to our success against Barcelona in Lisbon.

Six teams will compete for the prize. In round one, the champions of the AFC Women’s Champions League will host the winners of the OFC Women’s Champions League, meaning Wuhan Jianghan will tackle Auckland United.

Then in round two, the winners of that tie head to the triumphant side in the CAF Women’s Champions League, which will be determined in November.

The team that advances from that tie will be our opponents in the semi-final, while the other final four clash will see CONCACAF champions Gotham FC face the champions of October’s Copa Libertadores Femenina. The winners will meet in the final, while the losers battle in the third-place play-off.

WHERE WILL IT BE PLAYED?

While the first two rounds will be held at the home sides of the AFC and CAF champions, from the semi-finals onwards, all four remaining teams will compete for the silverware in a neutral country predetermined by FIFA.

This has yet to be selected, meaning we still don’t know where we’ll be heading this winter.

In total we will play two out of five possible teams across the semi-final and final stage (or the third-place play-off if we lose the semi-final).

Wuhan Jiangda – potential semi-final opponent

Wuhan Jiangda

Chinese Women’s Super League club Wuhan Jiangda were founded in 2001 and won the AFC Women’s Champions League on penalties against Melbourne City in May.

They went 1-0 down in the 76th minute, but Wang Shuang scored a 98th minute equaliser from the spot, and it was Wuhan Jiangda who emerged victorious from the shootout, winning 5-4 thanks to Chen Chen’s save.

It’s been a rapid rise, given that Wuhan Jiangda were only promoted to the Chinese WSL in 2017; a league they have since won back-to-back for the last five seasons.

Auckland United – potential semi-final opponent

New Zealand Women’s National League side Auckland were founded just five years ago as an amalgamation between Onehunga Sports and Three Kings United.

They won their second OFC Women’s Champions League in Tahiti in May by beating Hekari 1-0 in the final, Zoe Benson their top scorer with eight goals in the competition. They had two 11-0 wins in the group stage, and a 6-1 success in the semi-finals!

Gotham FC – potential final opponent

Founded in 2006 as Jersey Sky Blue, American team Gotham FC compete in the National Women’s Soccer League. Between 2008 and 2020 they were known as Sky Blue FC, and as NJ/NY Gotham FC from 2021 to 2024.

They’re now managed by former Tottenham Hotspur Women assistant manager Juan Carlos Amoros.

Gotham won the CONCACAF W Champions Cup with a 1-0 victory over Tigres UANL in May, Esther Gonzalez scoring the only goal of the game.

WSL and Lionesses fans will be familiar with Jess Carter, who moved to Gotham from Chelsea in July 2024.

Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius with the Women’s Champions League trophy

Stina Blackstenius scored Arsenal’s winner in the Women’s Champions League final. She also scored in the winner in their 2024 League Cup final victory. Photograph: Armando França/AP

Sweden attacker has a knack for scoring in big games and her former coaches are not surprised

Tom Garry

Of the many enduring images of Arsenal’s celebrations after their Women’s Champions League triumph against Barcelona, one in particular emphasised the magnitude and rarity of the contribution made by their goalscorer, Stina Blackstenius.

The Arsenal striker was photographed holding the trophy aloft alongside Alex Scott, scorer of the only goal in their previous European final 18 years earlier. As the pair posed together, it hit home that Blackstenius had scored one of the two biggest goals in the club’s history.

The 29-year-old Sweden striker’s name will now be immortalised in Arsenal Women folklore and, despite predominantly playing as a substitute in the past two seasons, she has developed a knack for producing in the biggest moments, scoring the winning goal in both the 2023 and 2024 League Cup finals.

Mary Earps made indelible mark with England and leaves big gloves to fill Suzanne Wrack Read more

It might seem at odds with her Women’s Super League return of five league goals this season – she has never hit double figures in the league for Arsenal in a campaign – but to those who have followed her career her success in Lisbon was no surprise. Martin Sjögren was in charge at the Swedish top-flight club Linköping when he signed a 16-year-old Blackstenius from Sweden’s lower leagues, where she had averaged more than a goal per game, before their 2013 season

“She was a very big talent, but very, very shy,” he says. “Not on the pitch, but talking to the media especially, she didn’t like that. But that was off the pitch; on the pitch, she played with the same characteristics as she has now, she had a lot of speed, a lot of physicality and was scoring a lot of goals.

“During those years she had scored so many goals more or less everyone knew about Stina. Linköping were the closest elite team from where she played, so it was quite natural for her to join.

“She was very physical for her age, she had the physique. That’s always been important for Stina, to be able to run, to tackle, to work hard. You can still see that in her, it’s a big part of her game.”

Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius scores the only goal of the Women’s Champions League final in Lisbon.

Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius scores the only goal of the Women’s Champions League final in Lisbon. Photograph: Violeta Santos Moura/Reuters

Just over two and a half years after moving to Linköping, Blackstenius made her senior Sweden debut and she has scored 35 times in 115 appearances. Sjögren, who is now coaching Hammarby, says: “She’s always been the type of player that can create chances, score chances, more or less on her own, because of her speed and because she can finish with her left and right foot.

“What I saw in her years ago, I still see that today. This is what she still does, but at a much higher level. It [Saturday’s winner over Barcelona] was a nice moment, especially for Stina. She’s a hard worker so she deserves the best.”

After breaking through with Linköping, Blackstenius went to the French league with Montpellier before a return to Linköping and then a 2020 switch to Hacken, who were then known as Kopparbergs/Göteborg, where she won the title in her first campaign and scored in the 2021 Swedish cup final.

She became a transfer target for Arsenal and the head coach who brought her to north London in 2022, Jonas Eidevall, says: “I don’t think it is a coincidence that she has scored in all three finals. She has a really good intelligence in how to find a good position in-front of the goal.”

After a historic night in Lisbon, Arsenal Women etched their name in European football folklore with a stunning Champions League victory over Barcelona—and the celebrations were nothing short of spectacular. The Gunners, led by a fearless squad including Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson, and Frida Maanum, didn’t just lift the trophy—they lit up the night with an after-party that fused football glory with music royalty.

The city’s iconic waterfront came alive as the team and their supporters gathered for an exclusive post-match celebration, with none other than Grammy-winning popstar Jess Glynne providing the soundtrack to an unforgettable evening. Fresh from a headline tour, Glynne brought her powerhouse vocals to the dancefloor, performing live renditions of hits like “Hold My Hand” and “Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself” as the Arsenal stars danced and sang along.

Chloe Kelly, who played a pivotal role in the final, was among the first on the dancefloor, joined by teammates Katie McCabe and Alessia Russo. The trio set the tone for the night with infectious energy, trading in football boots for dancing shoes as champagne flowed and confetti rained. Social media buzzed with behind-the-scenes clips showing the players lifting the trophy in the middle of the crowd, laughing and taking selfies with fans and staff.

Arsenal captain Leah Williamson, who returned from injury to lead the team through their European campaign, gave a heartfelt toast. “We’ve dreamed of this moment since we were kids. This is for every young girl who believes she belongs here,” she said, holding her medal high. Her emotional words drew cheers from the room and were later echoed across platforms as fans praised the team’s resilience and unity.

Jess Glynne, who is known to be a long-time Arsenal supporter, told reporters she was “honoured” to be part of the night. “These women are legends. They didn’t just win a match—they’ve changed the game,” she said, posing with the Champions League trophy alongside the squad. Her presence added an extra sparkle to an already glittering night, blending sport and music in a way that captured the spirit of modern football culture.

Lisbon’s historic Praça do Comércio provided a picture-perfect backdrop, with red and white lights illuminating the city’s skyline. Even rival fans had to admit—the celebrations were world-class. Arsenal’s social media team documented the night in real-time, sharing candid moments, dance-offs, and even a surprise appearance by former club legend Kelly Smith, who joined in the revelry.

As dawn approached, the celebrations showed no signs of slowing. But for Arsenal Women, the night was about more than partying—it was a statement. After years of progress, setbacks, and rebuilding, they had reached the summit of European football. And they did it with style, unity, and joy that will be remembered for years to come.

Arsenal Women’s historic UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph has sent ripples through the footballing world, and among the many voices celebrating the win, Ian Wright’s stands out with heartfelt praise and passionate support. A long-time advocate for women’s football and a proud Arsenal legend, Wright’s reaction encapsulates both the emotional significance and broader impact of this achievement.

Immediately following the final whistle, Ian Wright took to social media and various broadcasting platforms to express his admiration for the team’s resilience, talent, and determination. “This isn’t just a win for Arsenal, this is a win for the women’s game,” he stated during a post-match interview. Wright, who has been vocal in promoting equality in football, highlighted how the Gunners’ victory serves as a landmark moment in the ongoing journey of recognition and respect for women’s football.

Wright praised the tactical brilliance of head coach Jonas Eidevall and commended the players for their unity and courage. “Jonas got everything right tonight. Every decision, every substitution, the game plan—it was spot on,” he said. He singled out key players like Kim Little for her composure and leadership, Leah Williamson for her commanding presence at the back, and Stina Blackstenius for her crucial goals throughout the campaign. “These women didn’t just win a final. They owned the stage,” Wright added.

The former England and Arsenal striker didn’t hold back when describing what this moment meant to the fans. “We’ve waited a long time to see this. The men’s team have had their moments, but tonight, it’s the women who’ve brought Europe home. They’ve made the whole Arsenal family proud.”

Wright also addressed the broader implications of the win. “This should be a turning point. Investment, coverage, grassroots support—this win should push everything forward,” he insisted. “When young girls watch this team lift the Champions League, they’re seeing what’s possible. They’re seeing heroes in red and white.”

In addition to his commentary, Wright took to Twitter to express his emotions. One post read, “Champions of Europe!! Arsenal Women, you legends!! So proud of you all!” He accompanied the message with a photo of himself wearing the women’s team jersey, smiling with unmistakable pride.

His support didn’t go unnoticed by fans and players alike. Several Arsenal Women stars thanked Wright personally for his unwavering support over the years. Beth Mead, in a post-match interview, called him “an inspiration” and said, “Wrighty’s always had our backs. To celebrate this with him watching makes it even more special.”

For Ian Wright, this triumph is about more than silverware. It’s a symbol of progress, perseverance, and passion. He’s not just a pundit cheering from the sidelines—he’s a champion for the cause, a voice that has consistently uplifted the women’s game. His reaction to Arsenal Women’s Champions League victory reflects a deep connection to the club and an unshakable belief in the power of sport to inspire change.

As Arsenal celebrates this milestone, Ian Wright’s words remind us why this moment matters—not just for the club, but for football as a whole.

A lot can happen in 18 years. Not only is that the time between Arsenal Women’s two Champions League titles, it is also the journey of one special individual who lived that transformation.

Eighteen years ago, a ten-year-old girl walked out as a mascot for the second leg of the European Cup Final. What were the odds of her dreams coming true, of one day stepping out onto that stage as a player herself? It is a fantasy thousands of children share, but only a tiny few ever realise. At that time, Leah Williamson was part of the club’s centre of excellence. Even if she had the talent, the idea of playing football professionally as a woman in the UK felt impossible.

In 2007, Arsenal tried to support the women’s side by offering players part-time work in various departments at the club. Being a professional footballer was not an attainable dream for young girls in England, no matter how passionate or committed they were. For a youngster whose heart bled red and white, whose mother and grandmother were Gooners, and whose family were willing to drive across the country for training sessions, it was a harsh reality to accept.

When Arsenal beat Umeå in 2007 to become Champions of Europe with a 1-0 aggregate win, just 3,467 fans attended the match at Meadow Park, Borehamwood. For perspective, it is estimated that more people watched this weekend’s final live on a big screen at the Emirates.

From mascot to icon: Williamson’s place in history

Nearly 40,000 supporters were in Lisbon. The match against Barcelona was shown live on TNT Sports and YouTube. In 2007, no UK broadcaster had any interest in women’s football coverage. Arsenal were playing Fulham in the men’s Premier League at the time, and Sky Sports barely gave the women’s final a passing mention at half time. Most of the 2007 squad returned to their day jobs the following week. Even England’s Euro 2022 winners have stories of working in coffee shops or at Domino’s as recently as 2017.

Lifting the trophy this weekend alongside Kim Little was that same girl from 2007. Leah Williamson, now 28, not only chased her dream, she caught it. She did not need this Champions League medal to validate her status. She has already captained her country to Euros glory on home soil. But her legacy goes far beyond her medals. Her reading of the game, her positioning, and her professionalism have made her one of the first women in England to comfortably earn a living through football.

Arsenal reportedly pay her around £200,000 per year, which is what some male players earn in a week. Yet if you had told that ten-year-old girl, or her parents and grandparents, that she would one day earn approximately £3,846 per week to play for Arsenal, there would have been tears of joy.

Leah Williamson is a once-in-a-generation personality. She transcends the sport and even the club. In years to come, when future generations talk about the growth of women’s football in the UK, Williamson’s name will be central to that story. Iconic images of her lifting major trophies in England and Arsenal shirts will live on.

Some of her heroes were on the pitch in Portugal. Just as she looked up to Alex Scott, Kelly Smith and Karen Carney, young girls today will look up to her. She is a role model not just because of what she has achieved, but because of how she has carried the weight of that success. Every moment where a young girl sees a player like Williamson at the Euros or in a Champions League final increases the chance she will want to play at school, in the park or in her own garden.

Leah has grown up during the sport’s transition. She has played in the WSL as it replaced the old pyramid, now a full-time, professional league. She has seen clubs only granted licenses if they offer minimum 16-hour contracts and have academy structures in place. She has played in front of over 60,000 fans at the Emirates and nearly 80,000 at Wembley. The WSL now enjoys a five-year broadcast deal worth £65 million, with games live on Sky Sports and the BBC. The 2023 Women’s World Cup final reached a peak audience of 12 million on BBC One. The Euro 2022 final was watched by 17 million.

That is quite the legacy to pass on.

Leadership, humility and a bright future

With success comes responsibility. While women’s football has grown rapidly, it is still not embedded in the establishment in the way the men’s game is. A poor tournament in the men’s game still attracts sponsors and media attention. In the women’s game, progress can feel fragile. That is why victories like Arsenal’s over Barcelona are so important. A young girl watching at home or at the Emirates could have been inspired in ways we will never fully measure.

They may be at Armoury Square on Monday at 10am to watch the players lift the trophy. They may now dream of wearing the shirt themselves. That is a beautiful privilege, but also a heavy burden for those carrying the sport forward. Leah Williamson does it with remarkable humility. A true leader for club and country, she takes everything in her stride. She already has an OBE for services to football and is likely to collect many more honours.

It is no coincidence that Arsenal regularly ask her to be one of the first to model new merchandise. She is relatable. She is one of our own.

They say you know you have done well if you leave something better than you found it. Thanks to Leah Williamson and her peers, the future of women’s football in England looks bright.

Arsenal are preparing to head to Spain for the second leg of their Champions League quarter final against Real Madrid.

Arsenal stunned Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the first leg thanks to a wonderful brace of free kicks from Declan Rice and an instinctive finish from Mikel Merino to give the Gunners a huge advantage.

Opta’s supercomputer has increased Real Madrid’s chances of making it to the semi final since that first leg defeat with knocks to Gunners duo Thomas Partey and Ben White.

Madrid legend Marcelo has warned Arsenal of the atmosphere they are about to enter into and the Gunners defence are set to be scrutinised by constant waves of attacks and a certain Kylian Mbappe.

David Raya ‘wasn’t impressed’ with Jakub Kiwior against Real Madrid

Speaking at the pre match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Real Madrid, goalkeeper David Raya has delivered his verdict on defender Jakub Kiwior since returning to the side.

The Gunners number one stated that he actually ‘wasn’t impressed’ with Kiwior’s performance against Real Madrid because he knows how good the Polish defender is.

Raya explained: “I wasn’t impressed because I know how good Jakub is and I’m very very convinced and confident with him stepping in after the big injury that Gabi sustained against Fulham.

“I wasn’t surprised by his performance I thought he was very, very, very good and we know how good he is, he shows it in training every day.

“I was very very happy with his performance because that gives him confidence but I wasn’t surprised, it was only a matter of time before he showed his quality.”

Real Madrid surprised by Arsenal during first leg

Speaking at his pre match press conference, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has stated that he was surprised by the quality of Rice’s free kicks in the 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

Bellingham stated: “The free kicks were surprising! I’ve not seen Dec do that before, to be fair. I knew he could take set pieces really well, corners. But I’ve never seen him do that with free kicks!”

Kiwior’s performance may have also come as a surprise to Real Madrid as they looked to target the defender with their movement but he was more than up to the challenge on the night in London.

Arsenal have a weakness in defending leads this season and Arteta will need to ensure that his players are prepared for the cauldron of the Bernabeu and do not freeze on the big occasion.

During the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal, Arsenal showed no signs of fearing Real Madrid. Declan Rice’s night was a dream come true for the Gunners, who defeated Real Madrid 3-0 at the Emirates.

Rice gave Mikel Arteta’s team a much-needed three-goal lead to carry to the Bernabeu with two direct free kicks before Mikel Merino added a third. On paper, any side would be intimidated by Real Madrid’s stellar roster, yet Arsenal emerged as the first leg’s main attraction.

Jude Bellingham’s biggest surprise regarding Arsenal Before the match, Ben White was afraid of Vinicius Junior, but the Brazilian wasn’t the only Galactico whose name was somewhat significant.

Jude Bellingham was unable to impact the game despite starting in midfield with Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga, who was sent off. In an interview with Amazon Prime Video following the match, Bellingham acknowledged that Real Madrid was “lucky” to have allowed no more than three goals. “We didn’t get close to it. That’s the reality, and Arsenal was excellent,” he stated.

“They could have had many more goals, but I know that two of them were free kicks and excellent individual deliveries. We’re fortunate to escape with three. However, we are clinging to the idea that there is a second leg. We will require something extraordinary, truly extraordinary. Even if Arsenal supporters should have a night to celebrate, the match is still ongoing with a second leg to go. However, based on Bellingham’s analysis, Real Madrid is ready to win if the first-leg performance is repeated at the Bernabeu.

Arsenal was in control. Real Madrid Bellingham maintained that, based on a review of the game’s statistics, Arsenal could have scored more than three goals.

Statistic Arsenal Real Madrid

Possession 54% 46%

Expected goals (xG) 1.51 xG 0.50 xG

Big chances 2 0

Shots 12 9

Shots on target 11 3

Arsenal vs Real Madrid statistics via Sofascore

Arsenal controlled possession and were the better side going forward, firing 12 shots on goal, 11 of which were on target.

Contrastingly, only three of Real Madrid’s nine shots were on target, on what was a surprisingly routine night for David Raya.

The Galacticos will return to Madrid wounded by the Gunners, with a spot in the semi-final at stake when the second leg gets underway at the Bernabeu

Arsenal take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League at the Emirates Stadium

Hello and welcome to football.london for live coverage of Arsenal’s Champions League match with Real Madrid.

This is without doubt the biggest game of Mikel Arteta’s tenure in charge of Arsenal and perhaps in the Emirates Stadium era of the club. The last time the two sides met, Thierry Henry was scoring in the Bernabeu and it was the last campaign played at Highbury.

Arteta has welcomed back Bukayo Saka to his side which is a massive boost but the loss of Gabriel Magalhaes is arguably equally as impactful. For Los Blancos, Thibaut Courtois has been included in the squad which is a big boost for the Spanish giants.

Elsewhere, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Gabriel Martinelli must avoid bookings to avoid missing the second leg of the tie. Real Madrid are already missing Aurelien Tchouameni and a number of their players are a caution away from suspension.

You can follow live coverage from the Emirates Stadium throughout the day right here with our dedicated coverage. football.london’s chief Arsenal correspondent Tom Canton is in north London to bring you live updates.

17:42

Tom Canton

Real Madrid team confirmed

Starting XI – Courtois, Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba, Modric, Camavinga, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vini Jr

Subs – Fran Gonzalez, Sergio Mestre, Fran Garcia, Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler, Gonzalo, Endrick, Jacobo, Chema, Lucas Vazquez, Vallejo, Lorenzo

17:26

Tom Canton

Alan Shearer gives Arsenal vs Real Madrid Champions League prediction

Mikel Arteta’s side is gearing up for one of their most demanding and most crucial games of the season as they line up against a star-studded Real Madrid side.

With the Premier League seemingly out of the Gunners’ grasp, the Champions League offers a chance to clinch some silverware and cement their place in European football. The trophy has eluded them throughout their history despite coming awfully close in 2006.

But tonight they face seasoned winners Real Madrid under their even more experienced manager Carlo Ancelotti who is looking to take the trophy home for the sixth time in his career.

Read the full story here.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Amazon Prime Video UEFA Champions League pundit Alan Shearer during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester City and Feyenoord at City of Manchester Stadium on November 26, 2024 in Manchester, England.Tom Canton

Antonio Rudiger drops early Real Madrid team news hint

Antonio Rudiger has dropped a team news hint ahead of Real Madrid’s clash against Arsenal. The Gunners will lock horns with Los Blancos at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

Mikel Arteta’s side stormed past PSV Eindhoven in the round of 16 last month, winning 9-3 on aggregate, meanwhile, Real needed extra time and penalties to get past Atletico Madrid. None of the four players, who were investigated by UEFA for ‘violating the basic rules of decent conduct’ against their rivals, will miss this evening’s tie.

Rudiger and Kylian Mbappe received suspended one-match bans, as well as hefty fines, while Dani Ceballos got off with a reduced penalty and Vinicius Junior escaped punishment. Real will, however, still be without some key players due to injury.

Read the full story here.

Antonio Rudiger in Real Madrid training at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal predicted XI vs Real Madrid

Arsenal have got the night of their season as they take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening. Mikel Arteta wants the club’s supporters to put on the most impressive show of support we have witnessed.

He has the support of Bukayo Saka back in the fold who could make his first start since he returned from a long layoff with a hamstring injury. However, he does have to deal with the absence of Gabriel Magalhaes who missed the tie with the same issue.

He has decisions to make, particularly in the back four and the front three on the night. With that in mind, here is who football.london predicts to start in this evening’s match.

Read the full line-up here.

Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka are both players that Mikel Arteta could choose to play for Arsenal against Real Madrid

Real Madrid will travel to face Arsenal in the Champions League for the first time in 19 years.

On Tuesday night, the Emirates will bear witness to a Champions League showdown as Arsenal host Real Madrid to kick off the quarter-finals.

The first leg will be played in North London before Mikel Arteta’s side travel to the Santiago Bernabeu in search of repeating history.

The Gunners beat Real Madrid in 2006 over two legs, with Spanish media still wary of Arsenal’s history in the fixture all these years later.

Kolo Toure was Arsenal’s man of the match vs Real Madrid in 2006

As the tie was decided for the 2024/25 Champions League, the memories of the 2006 triumph came flooding back.

Thierry Henry recalled how Madrid reacted to drawing Arsenal at the time, with the Gunners going on to have the last laugh.

It was Henry who won the game for Arsene Wenger at the Bernabeu, but it was another star who ultimately decided the tie.

Rewinding to 2006, there’s a reminder that Kolo Toure was indeed the star of the show in Madrid, earning the highest mark of any Arsenal player on the pitch.

MORE ARSENAL STORIES

The Guardian’s player ratings from the historical victory note that Toure was worthy of a 9/10 score, describing the centre-back as ‘breathtaking’.

“Had enormous responsibility in marshalling the callow Arsenal defence. One tackle to slam shut Zidane’s door to goal was breathtaking,” wrote journalist Matt Scott.

Henry was the protagonist for good reason, but the Frenchman came up short to Toure on the night, whose impact is somewhat overlooked.

Will a defender rise to the top this time against Real Madrid?

It was a centre-back who was Arsenal’s man of the match at the Bernabeu 19 years ago, but will it be a defender who rises to the top this time around?

The topic of central defence is a touchy one for Arteta at present, as Gabriel Magalhaes was ruled out for the season with a hamstring injury.

Player Rating

Jens Lehmann 8

Emmanuel Eboue 7

Kolo Toure 9

Philippe Senderos 6

Mathieu Flamini 6

Alexander Hleb 7

Freddie Ljungberg 6

Gilberto Silva 8

Cesc Fabregas 7

Jose Antonio Reyes 8

Thierry Henry 7

The Guardian’s player ratings from Arsenal vs Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in 2006.

While the Brazilian awaits surgery, a new partner will audition to join William Saliba, with Jakub Kiwior impressing in his taster against Everton.

Ben White could play the role, as could Jurrien Timber, with a decision to be made regarding how the back four shapes up against one of Europe’s most deadly attacks.

It’s all to play for at the Emirates and Bernabeu, giving those away from the spotlight the chance to become a hero, just as Toure did.